A Robotics team is supposed to be able to work together, mange a schedule, help their community and themselves. They need to spread the word of F.I.R.S.T and be interested and excited when it comes to learning and experiencing technology and science first hand. Team 1323, Madtown Robotics, is most definitely a perfect example of that.

F.I.R.S.T (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a huge organization founded by Dean Kamen and his ideas. F.I.R.ST was founded in 1989 to inspire young minds into learning about science, engineering, and technology. Most importantly, to help them make a difference in the world and spread the word. Since then, F.I.R.S.T has not failed.

Here in the center of California lies Madera and throughout Madera, people know our robotics team. MadTown Robotics is a student run program.  All funds and expenses must be raised by the students, and most decisions are made by us. Our mentors, sponsors, and especially our community are always there for support.

Team 1323 helps the community by volunteer work. We promote F.I.R.S.T at the Madera County Fair and recently the team has agreed to build a moving target for the Madera Police Department.  Also, MadTown Robotics participates in holding haunted houses where the money raised benefits organizations that help fight polio in third world countries. MadTown also enjoys helping our local Children’s Hospital and helping promote Kid’s Day. From local river clean ups, to building a near-life-size model of wooly mammoths for the San Joaquin Paleontological Society. Team 1323 is always ready to give back to the community that was so willing to help in the team’s time of need. We have striven to maintain the East West Collaboration Project, with the goal to provide mentorship for other teams.

MadTown as a team totals approximately 7,600 hours, year round, doing presentations, building robots, and doing volunteer work. We have advanced from working in a classroom to having our own shop. And in addition, we also have CAD Library that is open to the public.